Department of the Army

Pamphlet 385–11

Safety

Army
Guidelines for
Safety Color
Codes, Signs,
Tags, and
Markings

Headquarters
Department of the Army
Washington, DC
25 June 2013

UNCLASSIFIED
SUMMARY
DA PAM 385–11
Army Guidelines for Safety Color Codes, Signs, Tags, and Markings

This new Department of the Army pamphlet, dated 25 June 2013--

o Sets uniformity of color codes used on safety signs, labels, tags, and
markings for military, industrial, and construction operations existing on
Army installations (paras 2-1 and 2-2).

o Introduces guidelines for safety color codes for signs, tags, and markings in
Army facilities and operations (throughout).

o Establishes Army criteria for safety colors that will alert and inform
persons to take precautionary action or other appropriate action in the
presence of hazards (throughout).
Headquarters Department of the Army
Department of the Army Pamphlet 385–11
Washington, DC
25 June 2013

Safety

Army Guidelines for Safety Color Codes, Signs, Tags, and Markings

History. This publication is a new
Department of the Army pamphlet.
Summary. This pamphlet prescribes
Army guidelines and criteria for safety
color code markings, signs, and tags to
warn Army personnel and personnel visit-
ing Army facilities against potential haz-
ards. Guidelines were developed from the
Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations,
Section 1910.141 et seq. (General Envi-
ronmental Controls) and American Na-
tional Standards Institute Z535 Standards
2011.
Applicability. This pamphlet applies to
the active Army, the Army National
Guard/Army National Guard of the United
States, and the U.S. Army Reserve, unless
otherwise stated. It also applies to Army
civilian employees, the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers and Civil Works activities
and tenants, and volunteers in accordance
with Title 10, United States Code, Section
1588 and AR 608–1.
Proponent and exception authority.
The proponent for this pamphlet is the
Director of the Army Staff. The proponent
has the authority to approve exceptions or
waivers to this regulation that are consis-
tent with controlling law and regulations.
The proponent may delegate this approval
authority, in writing, to a division chief
within the proponent agency or its direct
reporting unit or field operating agency, in
the grade of colonel or the civilian equiv-
alent. Activities may request a waiver to
this regulation by providing justification
that includes a full analysis of the ex-
pected benefits and must include formal
review by the activity’s senior legal offi-
cer. All waiver requests will be endorsed
by the commander or senior leader of the
requesting activity and forwarded through
their higher headquarters to the policy
proponent. Refer to AR 25–30 for specific
guidance.
Suggested improvements. Users are
invited to send comments and suggested
improvements on DA Form 2028 (Recom-
mended Changes to Publications and
Blank Forms) directly to Headquarters,
Department of the Army, Director of the
Army Staff (DACS–SF), 9351 Hall Road,
Building 1456, Fort Belvoir, VA
22060–5860.
Distribution. This pamphlet is available
in electronic media only and is intended
for command levels A, B, C, D, and E for
the active Army, the Army National
Guard/Army National Guard of the United
States, and the U.S. Army Reserve.

Contents (Listed by paragraph and page number)

Chapter 1
Introduction, page 1
Purpose • 1–1, page 1
General • 1–2, page 1
Engineering or administrative controls • 1–3, page 1
Illumination • 1–4, page 1
Optimum visibility • 1–5, page 1
Training and notification • 1–6, page 1

Chapter 2
Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs, page 1
Safety color coding • 2–1, page 1
Safety sign colors • 2–2, page 1
Hazard classifications of signs • 2–3, page 2
Selection of appropriate hazard sign (risk estimation) • 2–4, page 2
Wording of signs • 2–5, page 2

DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013 i

UNCLASSIFIED
Contents—Continued

Danger signs • 2–6, page 3

Caution signs • 2–7, page 4
Safety instruction signs • 2–8, page 5
Safety symbols • 2–9, page 6
Signs for slow-moving vehicles • 2–10, page 7
Placement of signs • 2–11, page 8
Hearing protection signs, labels, and decals • 2–12, page 9
Vision protection signs, tags, and decals • 2–13, page 9
Accident prevention tags and barricade tapes • 2–14, page 9

Chapter 3
Standards for Safety Markings, page 11
Use of color markings • 3–1, page 11
Use of paint • 3–2, page 11
Red markings • 3–3, page 12
Yellow markings • 3–4, page 12
Green markings • 3–5, page 13
Black, white, and yellow markings • 3–6, page 13
Blue markings • 3–7, page 13
Orange markings • 3–8, page 13

Chapter 4
Specific Types of Army Signs, page 14
Street and highway markings • 4–1, page 14
Markings for pipelines and compressed-gas cylinders • 4–2, page 14
Markings for power conductors • 4–3, page 14
Biological markings • 4–4, page 14
Ammunition and explosive markings • 4–5, page 14
Range markings • 4–6, page 14
Chemical agent markings • 4–7, page 14
Radiation markings • 4–8, page 14

Appendix A. References, page 15

Table List

Table 2–1: Examples of wording for danger signs, page 4

Table 2–2: Examples of wording for caution signs, page 5
Table 2–3: Examples of wording for safety instruction signs, page 6
Table 2–4: Placement of signs, page 8
Table 3–1: Paint color numbers from Federal Standard 595A, page 11

Figure List

Figure 2–1: Example danger sign, page 3

Figure 2–2: Example caution sign, page 4
Figure 2–3: Example safety instruction sign, page 5
Figure 2–4: Examples of safety symbols, page 7
Figure 2–5: Example of slow-moving vehicle symbol, page 8
Figure 2–6: Examples of safety tags, page 11

Glossary

ii DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013

Chapter 1
Introduction
1–1. Purpose
The intent of this pamphlet is to establish an Army standard for safety colors that will alert and inform persons to take
precautionary action or other appropriate action in the presence of hazards. The specifications for signs and tags apply
to the design, application, and use of signs or symbols intended to indicate and/or define specific hazards of a nature,
such that failure to designate them may lead to accidental injury or property damage. These specifications are intended
to cover all safety signs, except those designed for streets, highways, railroads, and marine regulations. This pamphlet
does not apply to bulletin boards or safety posters.

1–2. General
Color codes used on safety signs, labels, and tags, as well as for the identification and location of fire extinguishers,
first aid kits, traffic aisle ways, changes in elevation, and tripping hazards, and so forth, have been developed in the
past by a large number of industrial firms and other organizations. Uniformity of color codes used on safety signs,
labels, and tags can be a major issue with the various number of military, industrial, and construction operations
existing on Army installations. As a result, spontaneity of action in times of emergency can be lost, particularly by
employees who have moved from one organization to another, when each has a different system. Too many colors
appearing simultaneously in the visual field can be both confusing and fatiguing. All new signs and replacements of
old signs shall be in accordance with this pamphlet.

1–3. Engineering or administrative controls

This pamphlet is not a substitute for engineering or administrative controls, including training, to eliminate identifiable
hazards.

1–4. Illumination
Colored safety signs equipped with illumination devices shall be lighted at a level where the color is not distorted, and
the precautionary message is conveyed.

1–5. Optimum visibility

To ensure optimum visibility, colors selected for safety signs should have maximum color contrast, especially lightness
contrast. Likewise, contrast must be achieved between the sign and its visual environment. Thus, dark colors (red,
brown, green, blue, and purple) should be used with white letters, while light colors (orange and yellow) are better seen
contrasted with black.

1–6. Training and notification

All supervisors will ensure personnel working or entering in their area of responsibility are briefed/trained on what
hazards and controls are in their work area and what precautions should be taken.

Chapter 2
Specifications for Accident Prevention Signs
2–1. Safety color coding
The below colors are intended for use on safety signs, symbols, and safety messages in collateral materials, as set forth
by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z535 series standards.
a. Safety Red identifies danger and stop.
b. Safety Orange designates warning.
c. Safety Yellow designates caution. Solid yellow, yellow and black stripes, or yellow and black checkers must be
used for maximum contrast with particular background.
d. Safety Green designates safety, emergency egress, and the location of first aid and safety equipment.
e. Safety Blue identifies safety information used on informational signs and bulletin boards.
f. Safety Purple is not yet assigned.
g. Safety Gray is not yet assigned.
h. Safety Black, Safety White, Safety Yellow, or combinations of Safety Black with Safety White or Safety Yellow,
are used to designate traffic or housekeeping markings.

2–2. Safety sign colors

a. Standard safety colors shall comply with ANSI Z535.1.

DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013 1

 b. Signal word panel colors—
(1) DANGER. Safety White letters on a Safety Red background.
(2) WARNING. Safety Black letters on a Safety Orange background.
(3) CAUTION. Safety Black letters on a Safety Yellow background.
(4) NOTICE. Italicized Safety White letters on a Safety Blue background.
(5) SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. Safety White letters on a Safety Green background.

2–3. Hazard classifications of signs

Hazard-alerting signs are classified according to the relative seriousness of the hazardous situation. The classification is
based on the probability of being injured, if the hazard is not avoided, and on the severity of the resulting injury. For
hazard-alerting signs, there are four hazard classifications that are denoted by the signal words “DANGER,” “WAR-
NING,” and “CAUTION.”
a. DANGER indicates an immediately hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury. DANGER is limited to the most extreme situations.
b. WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
c. CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate
injury. CAUTION may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
d. CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol, indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in property damage.
e. NOTICE indicates a statement of company policy, as the message relates directly or indirectly to the safety of
personnel or protection of property.
f. GENERAL SAFETY indicates general instructions relative to safe work practices, reminders of proper safety
procedures, and the location of safety equipment.
g. FIRE SAFETY indicates the location of emergency firefighting equipment.
h. The other two classifications are DIRECTIONAL ARROW SIGNS and SPECIAL SIGNS.
i. In accordance with ANSI Z535.2, standard safety alert symbols will be used in conjunction with the signal words
DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.

2–4. Selection of appropriate hazard sign (risk estimation)

Selection of the appropriate hazard sign involves considering the probability and severity of outcomes that can result
from a hazardous situation and combining these estimates to determine the risk. The risk management process
prescribed in DA Pam 385–30 will be used to determine the appropriate hazard sign.

2–5. Wording of signs

Ensure that the wording on all signs—
a. Is concise and easy to read. Lettering shall be of a size that enables a person with normal vision, including
corrected vision, to read the safety sign message panel text at a safe viewing distance from the hazard.
b. Contains enough information to be easily understood.
c. Is designed for the message to be carried in the form of a picture, when appropriate.
d. Is positive rather than negative, when possible. For example, “Wear rubber gloves when handling” is preferable to
“Do not handle without rubber gloves.”
e. Signal words shall be in sans serif letters in upper case only. The signal word NOTICE shall appear in italicized
sans serif letters in upper case only.
f. Message panel lettering should be a combination of upper and lower case letters. Upper case only lettering may be
used for short messages or emphasis of individual words.
g. Determination of safe viewing distance for the message panel text shall take into consideration a reasonable
hazard avoidance reaction time.
h. Signal word letter height should be at least 50 percent greater than the height of a capital H in the majority of the
message panel wording.
i. Shall be bilingual, where appropriate.
j. Message panel colors—
(1) Safety equipment location signs. Safety White letters on Safety Green background.
(2) Fire equipment location signs. Safety White on a red background.
(3) Safety alert symbol. Solid triangle portion shall be the same color as the signal word lettering, and the
exclamation mark placed on a Safety Yellow triangle.
(4) Biological hazard. Fluorescent orange or orange-red, or predominately so, with lettering or symbols in a
contrasting color.
(5) Hazard alerting, safety notice, and safety instruction signs. The message panel for hazard alerting, safety notice,

2 DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013

and safety instruction signs should have either Safety Black lettering on a Safety White background or Safety White
lettering on a Safety Black background.
(6) Safety equipment location signs. The message panel for safety equipment location signs should have either
Safety White letters on a Safety Green background or Safety Green or Safety Black letters on a Safety White
background.
(7) Fire safety equipment location signs. The message panel for fire safety equipment locations signs shall have
Safety White safety symbols on a Safety Red background or Safety Red symbols on a Safety White background.
(8) Symbol panel colors—
(a) Hazard alerting signs, safety notice signs, and safety instruction signs should have a Safety Black symbol on a
Safety White background. Other colors may be used for safety symbol emphasis, such as Safety Red for fire, and so
forth, or if surround shapes are used.
(b) Safety equipment location signs. Safety equipment location signs shall have Safety White safety symbols on a
Safety Green background or Safety Green or Safety Black symbols on a white background.
(c) Fire equipment location signs. Fire equipment location signs shall have Safety White safety symbols on a Safety
Red background or Safety Red symbols on a white background.

2–6. Danger signs

a. Use. Use a danger sign only when an immediate hazard exists. There must be no variations in the type or design
of signs posted to warn of specific dangers. All personnel should be taught that danger signs indicate immediate
danger, and special precautions are necessary.
b. Design. Paints with phosphorescent or retro-reflective content may be used when safety considerations justify the
need for assuring visibility of signs in darkened areas or at night. Design danger signs as follows (see figure 2–1):
(1) Danger signs have a white background with the word DANGER appearing in white letters on a red oval. The red
oval is placed inside a black rectangular panel. (A white line separating the outside edges of the red oval from the
adjacent edge of the black panel may be used.)
(2) The black rectangular panel should be placed at the top of the sign. Wording on the sign should be in black
letters on the white background.
(3) The size of the red oval containing the word DANGER, and the size of the letters used for the word DANGER,
will vary with the outside dimensions of the sign.

Figure 2–1. Example danger sign

DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013 3

 c. Wording. Danger signs will be worded to warn of specific dangers only. Keep sign wording as brief as possible,
but convey all necessary information. The wording may include what the danger is, where it is, and how to avoid it
(see table 2–1, for examples of wording).

Table 2–1
Examples of wording for danger signs
DANGER - High Voltage (state maximum voltage, when greater than 500 volts)
DANGER - No Smoking, Matches, or Open Flame (see note)
DANGER - Men Working Above
DANGER - Keep Away From Transformer
DANGER - Eye Protection Required in This Area
DANGER - Crane Overhead
DANGER - Keep off Pole
DANGER - Use No Open Light-Flammable
DANGER - Artillery Firing in Progress
DANGER - Small Arms Firing in Progress
DANGER - Ammunition Dud Area
DANGER - Blasting
DANGER - Extremely Noise Hazardous Area-Both Plugs and Muffs Required
DANGER - Extreme Noise Hazardous-Both Plugs and Muffs Required When Operating
DANGER - Permit Required-Confined Space

2–7. Caution signs

a. Use . Use caution signs only to warn against potential hazards or to caution against unsafe practices. All
personnel should be taught that a caution sign indicates a possible hazard against which proper precautions will be
taken.
b. Design. Design caution signs as follows (see fig 2–2):
(1) Caution signs have a yellow background. The word CAUTION appears in yellow letters on a black rectangular
panel.
(2) The black rectangular panel should be placed at the top of the sign.
(3) The size of the black rectangular panel containing the word CAUTION, and the size of the letters used for the
word CAUTION, vary with the outside dimensions of the sign.

Figure 2–2. Example caution sign

4 DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013

 c. Wording. Caution signs will be worded to warn of possible dangers or unsafe practices (see table 2–2, for
examples of wording).

Table 2–2
Examples of wording for caution signs
CAUTION - Keep This Door Closed
CAUTION - Electric Trucks, Go Slow
CAUTION - Keep This Space Clear
CAUTION - Stop Machinery to Clean, Oil, or Repair
CAUTION - Wear Snug-Fitting Clothing While Operating This Machine
CAUTION - Keep Aisles Clear
CAUTION - Flammable-No Smoking Within 50 Feet
CAUTION - Gasoline Will Not Be Used as a Cleaning Fluid
CAUTION - Close Clearance
CAUTION - Watch Your Step
CAUTION - Electric Fence
CAUTION - Noise Hazardous Area-Hearing Protection Required While Equipment is Running
CAUTION - Hearing Protection Required Beyond This Point
CAUTION - Noise Hazardous Equipment-Hearing Protection Required When Operating
CAUTION - Noise Hazardous Area-Hearing Protection Required Within ____ Feet
CAUTION - Noise Hazardous Equipment-Hearing Protection Required Within ____ Feet
CAUTION - Ultraviolet Light-Wear Eye Protection

2–8. Safety instruction signs

a. Use. Use safety instruction signs, when there is a need for general instructions and suggestions relating to safety.
b. Design. Design safety instruction signs as follows (see fig 2–3):
(1) Safety instruction signs have a white background. Words, such as THINK or BE CAREFUL, are in white letters
on a green rectangular panel.
(2) The green panel should be placed at the top of the sign.
(3) The sign wording is placed below the panel in black letters on a white background.
(4) The size of the green panel and the size of the letters for the word or words vary with the outside dimensions of
the sign (see fig 2–3).

Figure 2–3. Example safety instruction sign

DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013 5

 c. Wording. Safety instruction signs should be worded to provide information relating to general safe practices (see
table 2–3, for examples of wording).

Table 2–3
Examples of wording for safety instruction signs
Report All Injuries to the First Aid Room at Once
Walk, Don’t Run- Avoid Injury
Report All Injuries No Matter How Slight
Make Your Workplace Safe Before Starting the Job
Report All Unsafe Conditions to Your Foreman
Keep This Plant Clean and Safe
Lock Out Controls Before Making Electrical Repairs
Number of Consecutive Days Without a Disabling Injury (___)
Three Causes of Injury: I Didn’t Look, I Didn’t Ask, I Didn’t Listen

2–9. Safety symbols

a. General. Safety symbols should be used, whenever practical to do so. A safety symbol is a configuration
consisting of an image, with or without a surround shape, which conveys a message without the use of words. It may
represent a hazard, a hazardous situation, a precaution to avoid a hazard, a result of not avoiding a hazard, or any
combination of these messages. There are four types of safety symbols that communicate different messages—hazard
alerting, prohibition, mandatory actions, and information (see fig 2–4 for examples).
b. Hazard alert symbol. This is the general warning symbol. It is used to alert the user to potential hazards. All
safety messages that follow this symbol shall be obeyed to avoid possible harm.
c. Prohibition symbol. This type of safety symbol conveys actions that should not be taken or should be stopped.
For prohibition, use of the surround shape is mandatory.
d. Mandatory symbol. This type of safety symbol conveys actions that should be taken to avoid hazards. If a
surround shape is desired, the symbol should consist of a white image within a solid Safety Blue circular surround
shape.
e. Information symbol. This type of safety symbol is generally used on general safety or fire safety signs to convey
equipment location, egress, permitted actions, and fire equipment location.
f. Symbol and message. Two panel signs can be used to display both the symbol and the message. When symbols
are used with a word message, safety symbols shall be compatible with the word message. A symbol may only be used
to substitute for a portion or all of a word message, if it has been demonstrated to be satisfactorily comprehended, or if
there is a means (for example, instructions, training materials, manuals, and so forth) to inform personnel of the
symbol’s meaning.

6 DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013

 Figure 2–4. Examples of safety symbols

2–10. Signs for slow-moving vehicles

a. Use. Signs or emblems to identify vehicles that, by design, move slowly (25 mph or less) on public roads and
streets. These signs or emblems are neither a clearance marker for wide machinery, nor a replacement for required
lighting or marking of slow-moving vehicles.
b. Design. These signs consist of a fluorescent, yellow-orange triangle with a dark, red, reflective border. The
fluorescent triangle is a highly visible color for daylight exposure. The reflective border defines the shape of the
fluorescent color in the daylight and creates a hollow, red triangle in the path of motor vehicle headlights at night.
(Figure 2–5 is an example of a sign for a slow-moving vehicle.)

DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013 7

 Figure 2–5. Example of slow-moving vehicle symbol

c. Wording. These signs will have no letters or words. Do not alter the pattern, sign dimensions, or the backing to
permit advertising or other markings.

2–11. Placement of signs

a. Signs must be placed to alert and inform employees of hazards in sufficient time for the employees to avoid the
hazard and take appropriate action. Employees should be able to see the sign in a safe viewing distance.
b. Signs must be placed so they are legible, do not create a distraction, and are not a hazard in themselves.
c. Safety signs shall not be located in areas where they may be removed by the motion of the hazardous device, or
rendered ineffective by situational conditions of the hazard. These alerting devices shall not be blocked by moveable
panels such as doors, windows, racks, gates, and so forth.
d. Safety signs shall be displayed with illumination, as needed, for adequate legibility under normal operating
conditions. For situations other than normal operating conditions, such as emergency conditions, power failure, and so
forth, where illumination may be interrupted, the sign should be made with photo luminescent and/or retro-reflective
materials, and/or equipped with emergency lighting.
(1) DANGER indicates an immediately hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
(2) DANGER should be used sparingly, and only for those situations presenting the most serious hazards (see table
2–4).

Table 2–4
Placement of signs
Signal word letter height (inches) Viewing distance (feet)
5.00 62.50
4.50 56.25
4.00 50.00
3.50 43.75
3.00 37.50
2.50 31.25
2.00 25.00
1.50 18.75
1.00 12.50
0.75 09.375
0.50 06.25
0.25 03.125

8 DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013

2–12. Hearing protection signs, labels, and decals
a. Use. To warn personnel of hazards associated with exposure to high-intensity noise and the need to wear hearing
protection.
b. Posting.
(1) Noise hazardous areas must be posted as follows: Post entrance to, or periphery of, noise-hazardous areas (85 to
100 A-weighted decibel (dBA)) with appropriate CAUTION sign (see table 2–2 for sample wording). Post entrance to,
or periphery of, extremely noise-hazardous areas (101 to 108 dBA) with the appropriate DANGER sign (see table 2–1
for sample wording).
(2) Noise-hazardous equipment must be posted as follows: Post noise-hazardous tools and equipment (85 to 100
dBA) with the appropriate CAUTION sign, label, or tag (see table 2–2 for sample wording). Post extremely noise-
hazardous tools and equipment (101 to 140 dBA) with the appropriate DANGER sign, label, or tag (see table 2–1 for
sample wording).
(3) Post all firing ranges and other impulse-noise areas (140 dBA and above) with appropriate DANGER signs.
Indicate 140 dBP noise contours with applicable DANGER signs. For noise-hazardous areas or equipment that exceed
108 dBA or 165 dBP, consult the local installation medical authority for proper posting procedures. Daily exposure
limits may be imposed. Also, hearing protection requirements for a particular piece of equipment may be defined in a
Health Hazard Assessment Report, and these recommendations will be published in the user’s documents (for example,
technical guides and manuals).
c. Design.
(1) Hearing protection DANGER signs should conform to the specifications in figure 2–1.
(2) Hearing protection CAUTION signs should conform to the specifications in figure 2–2.
(3) Hearing protection CAUTION and DANGER tags will be self-adhesive vinyl. They should appear proportion-
ately identical to corresponding signs.
(4) Hearing protection CAUTION and DANGER tags should follow criteria in Title 29, Code of Federal Regula-
tions, Section 1910.145 (29 CFR 1910.145). Alternatively, CAUTION and DANGER labels may be affixed to a plain
manila tag and used in place of a pre-printed tag.
d. Wording. Use wording on signs, labels, and tags, according to tables 2–1 and 2–2.
e. Pictures. The use of pictures or internationally recognized symbols on signs, labels, and tags is permitted,
providing the intent of the message remains clear.

2–13. Vision protection signs, tags, and decals

a. Use. Use vision protection signs, tags, and decals to warn personnel of potential or actual vision hazards
associated with machinery and equipment and to direct that appropriate protective measures be taken. Use warnings not
only for physical hazards, but also for laser and high-intensity light sources such as carbon arc lights, ultraviolet
sources, welding, and so forth.
b. Design. Similar to decal for hearing protection.
c. Wording and pictures. Signs may be CAUTION or DANGER, depending upon the risk. Use words and pictures
appropriate to vision protection.

2–14. Accident prevention tags and barricade tapes

a. Use tags and barricade tape as a means to prevent accidental injury or illness to employees who are exposed to
hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions, equipment, or operations that are out of the ordinary, unexpected, or not
readily apparent. Tags and barricade tape should be used, until the identified hazard is eliminated, or the hazardous
operation is completed. Tags and tape need not be used where signs, guarding, or other positive means of protection
are being used.
b. All required tags and barricade tape shall meet the following criteria:
(1) Tags and barricade tape shall contain a signal word panel and a major message.
(a) The major message shall indicate the specific hazardous condition, the instruction to be communicated, or both.
(b) The signal word shall be readable at a minimum distance of five feet (1.52 meters) or such greater distance as
warranted by the hazard.
(c) The tag’s major message shall be presented in either pictographs, written text, or both.
(d) The signal word and the major message shall be concise and understandable to all employees who may be
exposed to the identified hazard. The message may be supplemented or substituted by safety symbols in the safety
symbol panel.
(e) All employees shall be informed as to the meaning of the various tags used throughout the workplace and what
special precautions are necessary.
(f) Tags shall be affixed as close as safely possible to their respective hazards by a positive means, such as string,
wire, or adhesive that prevents their loss or unintentional removal.

DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013 9

 (2) The signal word shall be either DANGER, CAUTION, NOTICE, or SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, or similar
words.
(a) The word DANGER shall be in Safety White letters on a rectangular Safety Red background.
(b) The word WARNING shall be in Safety Black letters on a rectangular Safety Orange background.
(c) The word CAUTION shall be in Safety Black letters on a rectangular Safety Yellow background.
(d) The word NOTICE shall be in italicized Safety White letters on a Safety Blue background.
(e) The words SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, or similar, shall be in Safety White letters on a rectangular Safety Green
background.
(f) Danger tags shall be used in major hazard situations, where an immediate hazard presents a threat of death or
serious injury to employees. Danger tags shall be used only in these situations.
(g) Caution tags shall be used in minor hazard situations, where a non-immediate or potential hazard or unsafe
practice presents a lesser threat of employee injury. Caution tags shall be used only in these situations.
(h) Warning tags may be used to represent a hazard level between caution and danger, instead of the required
caution tag, provided that they have a signal word of WARNING and appropriate major message.
c. A single tag or length of tape shall address one topic only. The signal word panel should be reproduced on both
sides of the tag. A translated signal word panel may be used on the second side of bilingual tag. Either the message
panel or general support information may be printed on the back of the tag. Examples of general support information
are—“Do not remove—see reverse,” “Contact supervisor before removing,” or “See other side.”
d. The message panel for tags should be Safety White for high contrast and for good legibility of information.
Lettering should be Safety Black. Other high contrast color pairs may be used for symbolic representations.
e. The message panel may be surrounded by a tag border panel. The tag border should offer a contrast to the
background color of the message panel, and use the same colors shown on the tag signal word panel. If necessary to
achieve better contrast, the border may be Safety White.
f. Barricade tapes shall be placed to alert and inform the viewer in sufficient time to take appropriate evasive actions
to avoid the hazard.
g. Barricade tapes shall be placed so they are legible, non-distracting, and so that their placement does not create
another hazardous condition.
h. Safety tags shall be affixed by positive means such as nylon tie wrap, string, wire, adhesive, or other connecting
means that reduce the likelihood of loss or unintentional removal. Lock-out gags should be attached by a one-piece, all
environmental tolerant nylon cable tie.
i. Safety tags should include a provision for identifying and contacting the person authorizing or applying the tag.
The safety tag or barricade tape shall be capable of withstanding the environment to which it is exposed for the
maximum period of time that the temporary hazard is expected to exist.

10 DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013

 Figure 2–6. Examples of safety tags

Chapter 3
Standards for Safety Markings
3–1. Use of color markings
All color markings will comply with federal standards and Army regulations.

3–2. Use of paint

Paint color numbers for markings and signs shall comply with Federal Standard 595A as listed in table 3–1. Use high-
visibility (fluorescent) paint in the appropriate, similar color, when instant recognition is essential. Use luminous
(phosphorescent) paint to mark the location of exits or emergency equipment in low-light areas. Materials other than
paint, such as decals and tapes in similar colors, may be used for hazard markings and identification. Color coding
should not be relied on as the sole means for identification of hazards. When areas require particular emphasis, labels
and pictorials should be considered.

Table 3–1
Paint color numbers from Federal Standard 595A
Color Gloss Semi-gloss Lusterless
Red 11105 21105 31136
Orange 12246 22246 32246
Yellow 13655 23655 33538
Green 14260 24260 N/A
Blue 15102 25102 N/A
Magenta 17142 27142 37142
White 17875 27875 37875

DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013 11

Table 3–1
Paint color numbers from Federal Standard 595A—Continued
Black 17038 27038 37038

Notes:
1 Red No. 21136 may be used instead of 21105.
2 Yellow No. 23538 may be used instead of 23655.
3 Retro-reflective colors shall conform to those colors specified in Federal Specification FP–03, 718–01.

3–3. Red markings

a. Fire equipment and systems. Use red as the basic color for identifying fire detection equipment and fire
suppression systems. These include—
(1) Fire alarm boxes (pull boxes).
(2) Fire blanket boxes.
(3) Fire extinguisher containers, except for stored pressure water extinguishers.
(4) Fire extinguishers for large areas; when the extinguisher is not readily visible to area occupants, use red on the
housing wall or support above the extinguisher to show its location.
(5) Fire hose location.
(6) Fire pumps.
(7) Fire sirens, except vehicular-mounted.
(8) Sprinkler piping (MIL–STD–101B).
(9) Fire buckets.
(10) Fire-reporting telephones.
(11) Emergency exit signs. An exception consistent with the requirements contained in National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) 101 may be made to comply with local requirements.
b. Containers of flammable liquids. Containers of flammable liquids. Safety cans or other portable, service-type
containers of flammable liquids having a flashpoint at or below 80 degrees Farenheit. Table containers of flammable
liquids (open-cup tester), excluding shipping containers, will be painted red. In addition, such containers must have
some additional, clearly visible identification either in the form of a yellow band around the can or the name of the
contents conspicuously stenciled or painted on the can in yellow. Containers must be properly labeled with appropriate
warnings and contents identified, as required by 29 CFR 1910.1200.
c. Danger. This includes—
(1) Danger signs.
(2) Stop buttons or electrical switches used for emergency stopping of machinery.
(3) Emergency stop bars on hazardous machines.

3–4. Yellow markings

a. Use yellow as the basic color for—
(1) Designating caution.
(2) Marking dangerous chemicals and physical hazards that one could strike against, stumble over, or get caught
between hazards.
b. Solid yellow, yellow and black stripes, or yellow and black checks in optional dimensions may be used
interchangeably. Use the pattern that attracts the most attention in the particular environment.
c. The following are examples of where to use yellow markings for caution:
(1) Industrial areas where particular caution is needed, such as the bottom edge of overhead doors or top and bottom
treads and risers of stairways.
(2) Fire hydrant barrels (refer to NFPA 291, for additional color-coding options for different firefighting hydrant
pressure systems).
(3) Caution signs.
(4) Piping systems containing flammable material (MIL–STD–101B).
(5) Waste containers for combustible materials (list contents using black lettering).
(6) A hazardous floor area.
d. The following are examples of required yellow markings for physical hazards:
(1) Lower pulley blocks and cranes that invade personnel areas.
(2) Coverings and guide wires, sides of freight car loading plates, or runways (put stripes on sides of runways).
Pillars, posts, or columns.
(3) Fixtures suspended from ceilings or walls that extend into normal operating areas, corner markers where
material-handling equipment is used.

12 DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013

 (4) Edges of horizontally-closing elevator doors.
(5) Exposed edges of platforms, pits, and wells.
(6) Required, static electricity, grounding points (aircraft, communication, generators, petroleum, oil, lubricants, and
so forth). On these points, a yellow circle, 18 inches in diameter with a 2–inch black border, should encircle each
grounding rod permanently installed in a hard surface. The words “static ground connection” or “static grounding
point,” and a numeric or alphanumeric identification of the rod should be stenciled in black on a yellow circle. These
markings may be painted or decals. However, the material used must be environmentally tolerant and not subject to
degradation by petroleum, oil, and lubricants product spillage. Markings of this type are not required for temporary
ground rods.
(7) Exit passageways in hangars and warehouses.
(8) Any container containing flammable liquids will be conspicuously painted yellow and marked “Flammable-Keep
Fire Away” in red lettering.
(9) Petroleum product containers used for shipping and storage and issued to table of organization and equipment
units are excluded from this requirement.

3–5. Green markings

Use green markings as the basic color for designating safety equipment, including the location of first aid and first aid
equipment (other than firefighting equipment and ambulance markings). The following are examples of where solid
green, green and white stripes, green cross on white background, or white cross on green background should be used:
a. First aid equipment.
b. First aid dispensaries.
c. Stretchers.
d. Personnel deluge showers and eyewash sinks.
e. Protective masks.
f. Safety starting buttons, such as the inching button on dough mixers, metal planers, boring mills, and laundry
equipment.
g. Safety instruction signs.
h. Safety bulletin boards.

3–6. Black, white, and yellow markings

Black, white, yellow, or combinations of black with white or yellow are the colors for designating traffic or
housekeeping markings. The following are examples of where these markings will be used:
a. Traffic. Examples include—
(1) Location and width of aisles in non-hazardous areas.
(2) Dead end of aisles or passageways.
(3) Directional signs.
b. Housekeeping. Examples include—
(1) Location of refuse cans.
(2) Clear floor areas around first aid, firefighting, and other emergency equipment.

3–7. Blue markings

a. Safety Blue is the color for identifying SAFETY INFORMATION on information signs and bulletin boards. Use
blue for outside of switch boxes and electrical controls that are the starting point power source for potentially
hazardous, electrical machinery and equipment. This requirement does not apply to the following:
(1) Quarters.
(2) Barracks.
(3) Offices.
(4) Electrical outlets.
(5) Room lighting controls.
(6) Avionics vans.
(7) Other unmodified, factory-installed equipment where voltage, frequencies, and other characteristics are clearly
labeled.
b. Blue has specific applications in railroading and is used to designate warnings against the starting, use, or
movement of equipment that is under repair or being worked.

3–8. Orange markings

a. Use orange as the basic color to—
(1) Designate dangerous parts of machines or energize equipment, where a potential hazard exists that could cut,
crush, shock, or injure.

DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013 13

 (2) Emphasize the above hazards, when enclosure doors are open, or when gear, belt, or other guards around
moving equipment are opened or removed, exposing unguarded hazards.
b. Per AR 385–63, orange and white markers will be used to designate range limit markers.

Chapter 4
Specific Types of Army Signs
4–1. Street and highway markings
Colors of street and highway markings are designated in ANSI D6.1. Highly visible (according to light conditions)
materials in the correct colors may be used. Examples of materials are phosphorescent, fluorescent, and retro-reflective
paints and tapes.

4–2. Markings for pipelines and compressed-gas cylinders

Color and identification schemes to designate the contents in piping systems and compressed-gas cylinders must
conform to MIL–STD–101B, 29 CFR 1910.1200, and 29 CFR 1910.253.

4–3. Markings for power conductors

Color and identification of power conductors, grounding conductors, heating cables, and other power-controlled
equipment must conform to NFPA 70.

4–4. Biological markings

See DA Pam 385–69 for Army biological symbol and marking requirements.

4–5. Ammunition and explosive markings

See DA Pam 385–64 for ammunition and explosive symbols and markings.

4–6. Range markings

See DA Pam 385–63 for specific range safety signage.

4–7. Chemical agent markings

See DA Pam 385–61 for chemical agent symbols and markings requirements.

4–8. Radiation markings

See 29 CFR 1910.1096 and DA Pam 385–24 for ionizing radiation symbols and markings requirements.

14 DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013

Appendix A
References

Section I
Required Publications

AR 385–63
Range Safety (Cited in para 3–8b.)

ANSI D6.1
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Device for Streets and Highways (Cited in para 4–1.) (Available from the
American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.)

ANSI Z535.1
Safety Color Code (Cited in para 2–2a.) (Available from the American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd
Street, New York, NY 10036.)

ANSI Z535.2
Environmental and Facility Safety Signs (Cited in para 2–3i.) (Available from the American National Standards
Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.)

ANSI Z535.4
Product Safety Signs and Labels (Cited in para 2–15.) (Available from the American National Standards Institute, 25
West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.)

ANSI Z535.5
Accident Prevention Tags (for temporary hazards) (Cited in para 2–15.) (Available from the American National
Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.)

FP–03, 718–01
Federal Specification: Retroreflective Sheeting (Cited in para 3–2.) (Available at http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/pse/
specs/.)

MIL–STD–101B
Color Code for Pipelines and Compressed Gas Cylinders (Cited in paras 3–3a(8), 3–4c(4), 4–2.) (Available at http://
www.nist.gov/standardsgov/.)

NFPA 70
National Electrical Code (Cited in para 4–3.) (Available at http://www.nfpa.org/.)

NFPA 101
Life Safety Code (Cited in para 3–3a(11).) (Available at http://www.nfpa.org/.)

NFPA 291
Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Fire Hydrants (Cited in para 3–4c(2).) (Available at http://www.nfpa.org/.)

29 CFR 1910.145
Specifications for accident prevention signs and tags (Cited in para 2–12c(4).) (Available at http://www.ecfr.gov.)

29 CFR 1910.253
Oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting (Cited in para 4–2.) (Available at http://www.ecfr.gov.)

29 CFR 1910.1096
Ionizing radiation (Cited in para 4–8.) (Available at http://www.ecfr.gov.)

29 CFR 1910.1200
Hazard communication (Cited in paras 3–3b, 4–2.) (Available at http://www.ecfr.gov.)

Section II
Related Publications

DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013 15

A related publication is a source of additional information. The user does not have to read it to understand this
publication.

AR 25–30
The Army Publishing Program

AR 608–1
Army Community Service

DA Pam 385–24
The Army Radiation Safety Program

DA Pam 385–30
Mishap Risk Management

DA Pam 385–61
Toxic Chemical Agent Safety Standards

DA Pam 385–63
Range Safety

DA Pam 385–64
Ammunition and Explosives Safety Standards

DA Pam 385–69
Safety Standards for Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories

Federal Standard 595A

Federal Color Chart

10 USC 1588
Authority to accept certain voluntary services

29 CFR 1910.141 et seq.

General Environmental Controls

Section III
Prescribed Forms
This section contains no entries.

Section IV
Referenced Forms
Unless otherwise indicated, DA forms are available on the Army Publishing Directorate (APD) Web site (http://www.
apd.army.mil/).

DA Form 2028
Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms

16 DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013

Glossary
Section I
Abbreviations

ANSI
American National Standards Institute

AR
Army regulation

CFR
Code of Federal Regulations

DA Pam
Department of the Army pamphlet

dBA
A-weighted decibel

mph
miles per hour

NFPA
National Fire Protection Association

USC
United States Code

Section II
Terms
This section contains no entries.

Section III
Special Abbreviations and Terms
This section contains no entries.

DA PAM 385–11 • 25 June 2013 17

UNCLASSIFIED PIN 103578–000